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Sun-Mercury Conjunction October 6
- October 7
Mars and Venus Exchange Signs October 13
- November 8
Full Moon in Pisces October 14
Mercury Resumes Direct Motion October 15
Sun Enters Libra October 17
New Moon in Libra October 28
As October begins, the most significant planetary event is that Mercury is in the middle of a retrograde cycle, located in his own earth sign of Virgo. It seems that our messenger planet has already started to cause the usual effects felt during his retrograde cycle: delays, communication difficulties, and certainly at this time, confusion in the financial markets. Mercury tends to lose some of his power when he gets too close to the Sun, which is referred to as a "combust" condition. Mercury will be combust the Sun October 6-7 as he continues his backward path through Virgo and as the Sun moves steadily forward through the same sign. The crazy-making effects of Mercury retrograde could be somewhat dampened during this two day period, but it is recommended that plans, communications and electronic devices be given ample care to ensure the smooth running of work and travel. The first two weeks of October will be marked by Mercury retrograde. It is a good time to review, edit and reframe projects or undertakings that require communication or work with the hands. It is not a good time to make large financial decisions, to sign contracts or to initiate new business enterprises.
Venus and Mars begin October by sharing space in Libra, Venus' air sign. The passionate battle that ever simmers between these two planets, that represent female and male, tends to heat up when they aspect each other. While conjunct in Libra, these planets receive the aspect of Saturn from his current position in Leo, which will serve to add an undertone of reticence and responsibility in regards to the relationship and chemistry between male and female. Saturn's energy is contracting in nature, and Libra's environment is dry and airy, a place of mental energy. Having these two normally juicy planets under these conditions signals a short period of limited interaction and infertility. When Venus moves into Mars' sign of Scorpio on October 13, we may feel a shift that allows our creativity and passion to move forward again. Venus and Mars will be exchanging signs: Mars will be staying in Venus' house (Libra) and Venus will occupy Mars' house (Scorpio.) Planets tend to get along better with other planets located in neighboring signs rather than with planets occupying the same sign. Too many planets in one place can create confusion of individual planetary influences. With a bit of space, they compliment and support one another. The three week period between October 13 and November 8 will offer us the opportunity to experience the perspective and environment of the other, especially in regards to male/female relationship.
Retrograde Mercury and the Sun will oppose the full Moon in the late degrees of Pisces on October 14. The Full Moon occurs in the lunar mansion of Revati, the last lunar mansion in the cycle of twenty-seven. Revati symbolizes a journey, specifically the ending or beginning of one. It is the place where final amends are made and new steps are taken. Revati is also a place of abundance, increase and nourishment. This full Moon shows the culmination of the lunar cycle that was begun with the New Moon in Hasta on September 29. This Full Moon shows the end of a journey, with the prospects of new beginnings.
Mercury's retrograde cycle officially ends on October 15, but do not rush ahead immediately, as the effects of Mercury retrograde can often be felt for about one week before and after the cycle. Mercury will proceed in forward motion through his own sign of Virgo, preparing to enter Libra on November 1. The latter part of October sees the planets spread out through the signs starting with Leo and ending with Sagittarius, hemmed in by the lunar nodes, Ketu and Rahu, which creates a condition called Kala Sarpa Yoga (October 23 - November 6, when the Moon travels between Ketu and Rahu.) This Yoga gives us a strong pull into worldly matters, with undercurrents of fate and destiny. This is a very interesting condition, especially in light of the current financial crisis and impending election in the US. The planets all have the power to function independently due to their occupation of different signs: Saturn in Leo calls into question outdated power structures, Mercury in Virgo shows the capacity for practical advancement through work and communication, Mars in Libra focuses our power through ideas and relationship, Venus in Scorpio urges us to find beauty and connection in the unseen regions of life, and Jupiter in Sagittarius continues to urge us toward adventurous expansion.
The Sun joins Mars in Venus' air sign on October 17 for his one-month journey through Libra. This gives some real fire power to Venus' domain of idealism, philosophy, art and relationship. The Sun and Mars are both independent, self-centered planets, which could indicate a time of singular functioning. The Sun is actually debilitated while in Libra, and therefore a bit weak in its functioning, however, positioned with Mars, could be a bit strengthened by his powerful companion. Do keep in mind that Saturn continues to aspect Libra and any planets located there, so this could be an interesting check to any ego-driven activities that could likely ensue during the Sun's transit through Libra.
Our next chance at a new start is the new Moon of October 28, which occurs in the sign of Libra, in the lunar mansion called Swati. Swati is ruled by Vayu, the god of Wind, and has a scattering, destructive action. Swati's symbol is a sword and it symbolizes independence. This is a good time to start a journey, to “air things out” or to use the sweeping energy of the wind to destroy negativity. Projects involving communication, music, art or literature will be supported under this new Moon. Mars' presence in Libra near to the New Moon will lend some power and drive to any journey or undertaking begun at this time.
